Malicious Code Vulnerability in inappropriate_mink_z3n Package
Summary
MAL-2025-98761: Malicious code in inappropriate_mink_z3n (npm). Affected versions are not published. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The inappropriate_mink_z3n package is part of the npm ecosystem, often used in JavaScript applications. It is associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, which has been known to flood the npm registry with packages. This package, like others in the campaign, is designed to manipulate developer reputation scores through the automatic generation and publication of derivative packages.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the inappropriate_mink_z3n package stems from its malicious code that modifies the package.json file. It removes private flags, alters version numbers, and generates random package names, which leads to the continuous republishing of these variants. This behavior not only pollutes the npm registry but also poses a risk to developers who may unknowingly use these compromised packages, potentially leading to security breaches in their applications.
How To Fix
This package is malicious. Remove it and rotate any credentials it could have accessed.
npm uninstall inappropriate_mink_z3nIf it arrived as a transitive dependency, remove the package that pulled it in, then reinstall.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, you can avoid using the inappropriate_mink_z3n package and ensure that your package.json does not include it. Regularly audit your dependencies to identify and remove any malicious packages.
Conclusion
The inappropriate_mink_z3n package contains malicious code that can compromise your application and pollute the npm registry. It is crucial to remove this package and monitor your dependencies to maintain the security of your software.
See every vulnerability recorded for inappropriate_mink_z3n →
FAQ
It is an npm package associated with the tea.xyz token reward campaign, known for flooding the npm registry with malicious packages.
The vulnerability can lead to the pollution of your npm registry and may introduce security risks if the malicious code is executed in your application.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without needing to sign up.
You should uninstall the inappropriate_mink_z3n package immediately and audit your dependencies for any other malicious packages.
Regularly audit your dependencies, use tools like Vulert for monitoring, and be cautious when adding new packages from unverified sources.
